§ 14-45. Tattooing, body piercing.

(a)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Body-piercing salon means any place in which a fee is charged for the act of penetrating the skin to make a hole, mark, or scar, generally permanent in nature. Body piercing does not include the use of a mechanized, presterilized ear-piercing system that penetrates the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear or both.

Tattoo parlor means any place in which is offered or practiced the placing of designs, letters, scrolls, figures, symbols or any other marks upon or under the skin of any person with ink or any other substance, resulting in the permanent coloration of the skin, including permanent makeup or permanent jewelry, by the aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin.

(b)

No license shall be issued for a tattoo parlor or a body-piercing salon unless and until there is presented to the assessing official a certificate from the director of public health permitting the operation of this business.

(c)

This section shall not apply to medical doctors, veterinarians, registered nurses or any other medical services personnel licensed pursuant to Code of Virginia, title 54.1 in performance of their professional duties.

(d)

Unannounced inspections by appropriate personnel of the county may be made.

(Code 1988, § 6.1-15)

State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-912.

(Code 1988, § 6.1-15)

State law reference

Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-912.